“My goodness, Kalia! How come you don’t age at all?”
A plump middle-aged woman opened her arms toward Kalia.
The unexpected visitor was none other than Rosilia Waldorf, the town's second most talkative woman.
She was a neighbor and friend who was like family to Emilia's family when they lived in the village long ago.
“Rosie...! What is this... What is this?”
The two smiled and hugged each other lightly.
“How many years has it been since we last met like this? Four years? No, five years?”
"Five years and four months to be exact, when we were busy building bean stakes. I remember clearly the day the pastor told us we had found a place to live and to start packing as soon as possible."
“Yeah, that’s right...”
Rose couldn't look Kalia straight in the eye.
“...I’m sorry I ignored you while you were going through such a hard time. I should have come to see you a long time ago.”
Kalia smiled gently in front of Rosie, who was bowing her head like a sinner.
“What do you have to be sorry about? You didn’t throw stones at us or anything. Why did you come here now?”
As Kalia patted Rosie's swollen back, she continued to answer in a tearful tone.
“You’re saying that everything is so ‘okay’ that it’s a problem. We went too far. What did you and Emilia do wrong that made you live in such a remote place...”
Rosie continued to apologize for a while. In reality, it was more like an excuse than an apology, but Kalia accepted it all with a smile, without a single complaint.
“But... where did all the kids go? Why can’t I see any of them?”
“Charlotte is out picking wild strawberries with the coachman, and Mitch is in the barn. And Emilia...”
Kalia's voice became lower.
“She's sleeping now. She hasn’t been feeling well lately, so she hasn’t been able to sleep at all.”
“Oh my, why? Where does it hurt?”
“She had a really bad body ache. You don’t know how much she suffered last night.”
Tsk tsk, what happened... The tongue-clicking sound continued.
The only reason a healthy child who had never caught a cold started to fall ill again was because of Master Meyer.
Of course, Kalia had no intention of revealing that fact in front of that chatterbox.
“She just fell asleep, and she doesn’t want to wake her up.”
“Huh? Oh... Yes, I got it. Oh, by the way, take this. I baked some cookies.”
As Rosie peeled off the cloth from the basket, the sweet and fragrant scent of cookies wafted through the air. Kalia busily prepared tea.
After a while, two teacups were placed on the table.
“By the way, what will happen to Emilia now?”
Rosie asks as if she has been waiting.
“Huh? What happened? What?”
“I heard the rumors. There’s a huge uproar in the council? Because of Emilia’s engagement.”
Ugh, Kalia swallowed a groan. It seemed that the story of the 'abandoned fiancée of the Meyer family' that had been causing a stir in Nowak had finally reached the countryside.
“His Majesty the King summoned Duchess Meyer and gave her a very loud scolding. The parliament is pushing hard for a bill to marry the two, either Romalia or Rochester.”
“No, that’s not true. There was indeed talk of an engagement, but the rest is just rumors.”
Kalia continued her explanation diligently.
From the remarks of the Honourable Hockney at the breakfast meeting, to His Majesty the King's outrage, to the gift of the carriage by Lord Mayer, to his apology for what had happened.
Ugh, Kalia swallowed a groan. It seemed that the story of the 'abandoned fiancée of the Meyer family' that had been causing a stir in Nowak had finally reached the countryside.
“His Majesty the King summoned Duchess Meyer and gave her a very loud scolding. The parliament is pushing hard for a bill to marry the two, either Romalia or Rochester.”
“No, that’s not true. There was indeed talk of an engagement, but the rest is just rumors.”
Kalia continued her explanation diligently.
From the remarks of the Honourable Hockney at the breakfast meeting, to His Majesty the King's outrage, to the gift of the carriage by Lord Mayer, to his apology for what had happened.
She was so passionate about her speech that she didn't even realize that her voice was getting louder.
“Oh my! That happened? The rumors aren’t all wrong. You’re saying that the Meyer family is really nervous and is keeping their heads down? Master Meyer himself came all the way here.”
Kalia's lips opened and closed a few times.
“I heard the Meyer family bought up all the land in this area? They’re planning to build a villa and give it to Emilia as a gift.”
“...That’s not true, Rosie. You know how people who like to talk can come up with strange things.”
“Then why does Master Meyer keep coming here? I heard he invited Emilia to Nowak once.”
Kalia didn't know what to say, so she just kept her mouth shut. She couldn't tell her everything, including the fact that they had already agreed to break off the engagement and were just pretending.
Rosie, who had been observing Kalia's expression, suddenly coughed and carefully opened his mouth.
“Do you know what people are saying these days? I wasn’t going to get into this...”
“...Why? What are you talking about?”
“Well, Prince Meyer is thinking of taking Emilia as his wife.”
“That’s nonsense,” said Kalia, shaking her head sharply.
But she can't hide her feelings of being hurt.
When did it start? It must have started when Emilia suddenly brought Beppy.
Without even realizing it, Hardius Meyer began to interfere deeply in their lives.
He made all sorts of excuses like alimony and a breakup agreement, but his eyes were saying something completely different.
There was one more thing that made Kalia even more anxious.
Nineteen-year-old Emilia, who doesn't even know her own heart. If she had to describe the way she acts next to Master Meyer in one word, it would be 'pretend'.
Pretend not to know, pretend not to care, pretend not to like, pretend to hate...
But from the time she opens her eyes in the morning until she falls asleep again, all that comes out of Emilia's mouth is the words, 'You selfish and wicked master.'
The decisive moment was the ball. In the pitch-black dawn, when she discovered the two faces faintly illuminated by the streetlight, Kalia felt as if her breath had stopped.
Emilia, who was pale and tired, and the young master, who was frozen stiff.
The air that was tightly tightening between the two was clearly that of a man and a woman exchanging emotions.
What on earth happened...
“How is it... Kalia?”
Kalia looked back at Rosie with a blank expression.
“Hmm? What?”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m really saying this for you and Emilia.”
“...What are you trying to say?”
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Becoming a government.”
"What?"
“Your opponent is Hardius Meyer. He is no different from the Crown Prince. She will be treated completely differently from ordinary governments.”
Kalia froze, unable to even blink.
“Think about it. Let’s say Emilia breaks off her engagement and returns to our world. What do you think her life will be like?”
“Oh, how is it? That’s great. She met a good, kind young man and got married....”
Rose let out a long sigh, as if she was frustrated.
“Don’t you get it yet? Emilia is no longer one of us. She’s a total noblewoman now.”
"....What do you mean?"
“My daughter, Hayley, met Emilia a few months ago. It must have been almost two years since we last saw each other. And you know what Hayley said? She said Emilia didn’t feel like a friend to her anymore. She said that Emilia had become a complete lady, from the way she spoke and looked to the way she acted, from head to toe, and every little movement. She pretended like nothing happened because she was afraid Emilia would be upset, but she actually found it too difficult and uncomfortable.”
Realizing that Kalia could not deny it, Rosie continued to speak passionately.
“Would such a child be satisfied with an ordinary carpenter, farmer, or craftsman? Ordinary men who stink, spit everywhere, and make spelling mistakes? How many common men in the world would be able to live with an elegant lady like Emilia?”
“No matter what...the government...”
“Don’t take it personally. I would have said the same thing to my daughter, Hayley.”
Kalia opened her mouth, feeling like she was floundering in the water.
“But Rosie, Emilia can read books. She can read those difficult books that make your eyes spin around and understand them. She can live single and study what she wants.”
“Yeah, that’s not bad. But where in the world is there anything free? Someone has to pay for tuition and living expenses, right?”
In that moment, a cough burst out of Kalia's mouth. Unable to bear it any longer, Rosie hurriedly poured water into a cup and handed it to her, but she couldn't even drink a single sip.
The cough, which seemed to scratch at her lungs, continued for a while until tears welled up in Kalia's eyes.
After waiting for the cough to subside, Rosie continued speaking.
“Emilia is a smart kid, so she can probably pay for her tuition on her own. But what about Charlotte? Will Emilia be able to leave her younger sister in the care of her stepmother and study what she wants?”
“I, I’ll help her, Rosie. Even though Emilia and Charlotte aren’t my biological daughters... I... I want to do my best to give them the lives they want to live.”
“Yes, Kalia, I know you love them as much as your own sons. But please, be realistic. You’re going to put Emilia through school, take care of Charlotte, and send Mitch to college? How? By getting up at the crack of dawn every day, going to the factory, and helping with laundry?”
Rose frowned, pointing to the pile of clothes strewn across the kitchen floor.
“First of all, Kalia, I overheard a few days ago. I heard that Mr. Borden’s factory had three months’ wages behind. That’s why he had to go all the way to Ramsco to borrow money...”
The stiff hand holding the teacup tightened its grip. She tried to hide her trembling eyes, but unfortunately, Kalia could not avoid Rosie's sharp gaze.
“...Do you know what happens if you can’t pay the money back? You knew that when you borrowed it, right? Yes?”
Grojean visited the Kramwitz villa again today.
Kaitlyn Meyer always greeted him with a worried look on her face and secretly invited him into a secret corner of her study.
Why did she smile so brightly and suggest that they take a walk in the garden? Grojean was slightly taken aback, but soon nodded willingly.
The conversation didn’t change just because the location had changed. While strolling through the flowerbeds filled with the scent of flowers, Grojean began reporting on Hardius Meyer’s activities over the past week.
It was when the topic of 'vacation' suddenly came up that Kaitlyn, who had been listening silently, suddenly stopped walking.
“For a month? Completely cutting off contact with the outside world?”
"Yes."
"...Where?"
“This is Sitmer. It is the villa that His Majesty the King bestowed upon us to commemorate the conclusion of the negotiations.”
The brown eyes sparkled strangely under the sunlight. Grojean had to tense up his whole body to keep his heart from beating anxiously.
Fortunately, Kaitlyn nodded willingly without any sign of doubt.
“Well, you've been running nonstop from Trunia to the breakup. You should help me out. And don’t accept useless visiting cards or invitations.”
Kaitlyn waved the fan lazily.
Standing under the maple tree on a sunny morning, she appears to be a leisurely and bored noblewoman to anyone.
Grojean realized that she had never asked him about the 'country girl'.
Could the broken engagement have dispelled the last of the doubts and brought about true peace?
Or is it because she doesn't have time to care about William Richard's betrayal?
He feels relieved, but he can't shake off the feeling of uneasiness.
His master was no pushover either. Kaitlyn Meyer is no pushover.
She may seem like she has no doubts, but you never know what she might be thinking inside.
“I will visit you often while I am in Sitmer.”
“Don’t overdo it, you need to rest at times like this.”
"...Thank you."
After leaving Kramwitz, Grojean headed straight to Sitmer's villa, where Hardius Meyer was staying.
It was a long way that took half a day to get there.
The place, which had been owned by the royal family for over 100 years, was actually more like a villa. It was also a fortress that was used as a refuge for the royal family during times of war.
The vineyards and gardens surrounding the villa were beautiful enough to make anyone admire them. From the small streams and small fountains to the straight-lined trees.
It was a place with a cute charm, different from the magnificent Kramwitz.
Hardius was on the terrace on the second floor.
Standing against the backdrop of a vast vineyard, he looked as calm as ever. But when he got closer, Grojean was so surprised that he couldn't speak for a moment.
Occupying the master's side were a half-empty bottle of whiskey and an empty medicine bottle.
If you were to name the things that the successor to the Meyer family has avoided throughout his life since he was born, they would be alcohol, cigarettes, and women.
From his childhood of strict education to the wild parties filled with dissolute men, from social clubs to military academies, he always kept them far away.
"... Master."
Hardius turned around. Of course, there was no sign of disarray in his eyes or expression.
The only thing that suggests that the young Meyer may have been drunk is that the top button of his shirt, which is usually buttoned up, is slightly undone.
“Oh my! That happened? The rumors aren’t all wrong. You’re saying that the Meyer family is really nervous and is keeping their heads down? Master Meyer himself came all the way here.”
Kalia's lips opened and closed a few times.
“I heard the Meyer family bought up all the land in this area? They’re planning to build a villa and give it to Emilia as a gift.”
“...That’s not true, Rosie. You know how people who like to talk can come up with strange things.”
“Then why does Master Meyer keep coming here? I heard he invited Emilia to Nowak once.”
Kalia didn't know what to say, so she just kept her mouth shut. She couldn't tell her everything, including the fact that they had already agreed to break off the engagement and were just pretending.
Rosie, who had been observing Kalia's expression, suddenly coughed and carefully opened his mouth.
“Do you know what people are saying these days? I wasn’t going to get into this...”
“...Why? What are you talking about?”
“Well, Prince Meyer is thinking of taking Emilia as his wife.”
“That’s nonsense,” said Kalia, shaking her head sharply.
But she can't hide her feelings of being hurt.
When did it start? It must have started when Emilia suddenly brought Beppy.
Without even realizing it, Hardius Meyer began to interfere deeply in their lives.
He made all sorts of excuses like alimony and a breakup agreement, but his eyes were saying something completely different.
There was one more thing that made Kalia even more anxious.
Nineteen-year-old Emilia, who doesn't even know her own heart. If she had to describe the way she acts next to Master Meyer in one word, it would be 'pretend'.
Pretend not to know, pretend not to care, pretend not to like, pretend to hate...
But from the time she opens her eyes in the morning until she falls asleep again, all that comes out of Emilia's mouth is the words, 'You selfish and wicked master.'
The decisive moment was the ball. In the pitch-black dawn, when she discovered the two faces faintly illuminated by the streetlight, Kalia felt as if her breath had stopped.
Emilia, who was pale and tired, and the young master, who was frozen stiff.
The air that was tightly tightening between the two was clearly that of a man and a woman exchanging emotions.
What on earth happened...
“How is it... Kalia?”
Kalia looked back at Rosie with a blank expression.
“Hmm? What?”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m really saying this for you and Emilia.”
“...What are you trying to say?”
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Becoming a government.”
"What?"
“Your opponent is Hardius Meyer. He is no different from the Crown Prince. She will be treated completely differently from ordinary governments.”
Kalia froze, unable to even blink.
“Think about it. Let’s say Emilia breaks off her engagement and returns to our world. What do you think her life will be like?”
“Oh, how is it? That’s great. She met a good, kind young man and got married....”
Rose let out a long sigh, as if she was frustrated.
“Don’t you get it yet? Emilia is no longer one of us. She’s a total noblewoman now.”
"....What do you mean?"
“My daughter, Hayley, met Emilia a few months ago. It must have been almost two years since we last saw each other. And you know what Hayley said? She said Emilia didn’t feel like a friend to her anymore. She said that Emilia had become a complete lady, from the way she spoke and looked to the way she acted, from head to toe, and every little movement. She pretended like nothing happened because she was afraid Emilia would be upset, but she actually found it too difficult and uncomfortable.”
Realizing that Kalia could not deny it, Rosie continued to speak passionately.
“Would such a child be satisfied with an ordinary carpenter, farmer, or craftsman? Ordinary men who stink, spit everywhere, and make spelling mistakes? How many common men in the world would be able to live with an elegant lady like Emilia?”
“No matter what...the government...”
“Don’t take it personally. I would have said the same thing to my daughter, Hayley.”
Kalia opened her mouth, feeling like she was floundering in the water.
“But Rosie, Emilia can read books. She can read those difficult books that make your eyes spin around and understand them. She can live single and study what she wants.”
“Yeah, that’s not bad. But where in the world is there anything free? Someone has to pay for tuition and living expenses, right?”
In that moment, a cough burst out of Kalia's mouth. Unable to bear it any longer, Rosie hurriedly poured water into a cup and handed it to her, but she couldn't even drink a single sip.
The cough, which seemed to scratch at her lungs, continued for a while until tears welled up in Kalia's eyes.
After waiting for the cough to subside, Rosie continued speaking.
“Emilia is a smart kid, so she can probably pay for her tuition on her own. But what about Charlotte? Will Emilia be able to leave her younger sister in the care of her stepmother and study what she wants?”
“I, I’ll help her, Rosie. Even though Emilia and Charlotte aren’t my biological daughters... I... I want to do my best to give them the lives they want to live.”
“Yes, Kalia, I know you love them as much as your own sons. But please, be realistic. You’re going to put Emilia through school, take care of Charlotte, and send Mitch to college? How? By getting up at the crack of dawn every day, going to the factory, and helping with laundry?”
Rose frowned, pointing to the pile of clothes strewn across the kitchen floor.
“First of all, Kalia, I overheard a few days ago. I heard that Mr. Borden’s factory had three months’ wages behind. That’s why he had to go all the way to Ramsco to borrow money...”
The stiff hand holding the teacup tightened its grip. She tried to hide her trembling eyes, but unfortunately, Kalia could not avoid Rosie's sharp gaze.
“...Do you know what happens if you can’t pay the money back? You knew that when you borrowed it, right? Yes?”
***
Grojean visited the Kramwitz villa again today.
Kaitlyn Meyer always greeted him with a worried look on her face and secretly invited him into a secret corner of her study.
Why did she smile so brightly and suggest that they take a walk in the garden? Grojean was slightly taken aback, but soon nodded willingly.
The conversation didn’t change just because the location had changed. While strolling through the flowerbeds filled with the scent of flowers, Grojean began reporting on Hardius Meyer’s activities over the past week.
It was when the topic of 'vacation' suddenly came up that Kaitlyn, who had been listening silently, suddenly stopped walking.
“For a month? Completely cutting off contact with the outside world?”
"Yes."
"...Where?"
“This is Sitmer. It is the villa that His Majesty the King bestowed upon us to commemorate the conclusion of the negotiations.”
The brown eyes sparkled strangely under the sunlight. Grojean had to tense up his whole body to keep his heart from beating anxiously.
Fortunately, Kaitlyn nodded willingly without any sign of doubt.
“Well, you've been running nonstop from Trunia to the breakup. You should help me out. And don’t accept useless visiting cards or invitations.”
Kaitlyn waved the fan lazily.
Standing under the maple tree on a sunny morning, she appears to be a leisurely and bored noblewoman to anyone.
Grojean realized that she had never asked him about the 'country girl'.
Could the broken engagement have dispelled the last of the doubts and brought about true peace?
Or is it because she doesn't have time to care about William Richard's betrayal?
He feels relieved, but he can't shake off the feeling of uneasiness.
His master was no pushover either. Kaitlyn Meyer is no pushover.
She may seem like she has no doubts, but you never know what she might be thinking inside.
“I will visit you often while I am in Sitmer.”
“Don’t overdo it, you need to rest at times like this.”
"...Thank you."
After leaving Kramwitz, Grojean headed straight to Sitmer's villa, where Hardius Meyer was staying.
It was a long way that took half a day to get there.
The place, which had been owned by the royal family for over 100 years, was actually more like a villa. It was also a fortress that was used as a refuge for the royal family during times of war.
The vineyards and gardens surrounding the villa were beautiful enough to make anyone admire them. From the small streams and small fountains to the straight-lined trees.
It was a place with a cute charm, different from the magnificent Kramwitz.
Hardius was on the terrace on the second floor.
Standing against the backdrop of a vast vineyard, he looked as calm as ever. But when he got closer, Grojean was so surprised that he couldn't speak for a moment.
Occupying the master's side were a half-empty bottle of whiskey and an empty medicine bottle.
If you were to name the things that the successor to the Meyer family has avoided throughout his life since he was born, they would be alcohol, cigarettes, and women.
From his childhood of strict education to the wild parties filled with dissolute men, from social clubs to military academies, he always kept them far away.
"... Master."
Hardius turned around. Of course, there was no sign of disarray in his eyes or expression.
The only thing that suggests that the young Meyer may have been drunk is that the top button of his shirt, which is usually buttoned up, is slightly undone.
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